Les Bowen

STAFF WRITER

Les Bowen has covered the Eagles since 2002. Before that, he covered the Flyers for 13 years. He came to the Daily News from the Charlotte Observer in May 1983, just as the Sixers were winning the NBA championship. He thought, "Gosh, this sort of thing must happen all the time here."

A look at five things to keep your eyes on during Friday night's Eagles preseason game against Kansas City:

1. Todd Herremans: The left guard might be the most consistent member of the offensive line when he’s healthy. He hasn’t played this preseason. The Eagles say they’ve taken it slow with Herremans as a precautionary move, after he experienced soreness in his repaired left foot back in the spring. But you take precautions for a reason, because you’re concerned. Herremans needs to get through this game without any problems. If he helps solidify a struggling interior line corps, that would be nifty, as well.

2. Mike Bell: The running back penciled in as the main backup to relatively untested Shady McCoy has not played a down in the preseason. Be kind of nice to see him stay healthy and look sharp, as well. Maybe Bell can help convert an early third-and-1 like the chance the Eagles botched last week in Cincinnati?

3. The starters, in general: The third preseason game is the one where you see the main guys the most. In fact, it’s the last time you see them before the season starts. So red zone success for the offense would be a nice thing, and a little better push from the defensive front, without blitzing, also would be reassuring. Nobody getting hurt is a good thing, as well.

4. David Akers: The kicker, who turns 36 in December, didn’t practice all week because of a heel problem, but he’s scheduled to kick tonight anyway. If he falls down clutching his foot, that could have an impact on the season.

5. Kick return coverage: It’s been absolutely awful so far. Eagles seem to get guys down near the returner, but nobody takes that extra step and puts him on the ground early in the return. Big improvement needed here.